The camera also features a Xenon flash, optical image stabilization and a "Zoom Ring." This ring encircles the camera, and when turned, it allows for in-call photo sharing -- even when on a call. Or, it will activate the Quick Launch and Shortcut features for direct access to other camera modes.

Users can also use software like Photo Suggest, which shows pictures taken by others nearby; Story Album, which allows you to arrange all of your images and videos into one timeline, and Smart Mode, which lets you choose from many pre-set modes that the camera will automatically adjust to.

As for the smartphone itself, it features a 4.3-inch qHD display, 1.5GB RAM, 1.5GHz dual-core CPU, 8GB of internal storage that's expandable via the microSD slot and a 1.9 MP front-facing camera.

The Zoom isn't the only new member of the Galaxy S4 family. Late last month, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S4 Mini, which is a smaller version of the Galaxy S4. It's light at 107 grams, and offers a 4.3-inch qHD AMOLED display, a 1.7 GHz dual-core processor, Android 4.2.2, integrated Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, NFC technology, 8 GB of internal storage, and 1.5 GB of RAM.

The Galaxy S4 Zoom is expected to come to the U.S. during the third quarter of this year.

It's useful as a brick. This thing shoots as good as a point and shoot and fails as a phone due to its size. It cost substantially more than a point and shoot camera. At 2300ma, it's not enough to fulfill both duties as phone + camera.

quote: Because the target audience normally carries a compact camera that size with them anyway, and finds it frustrating to also have a large phone too?

Except in reality, when you go to upgrade/buy a phone, you pick a good phone and not a camera. The camera is secondary. What is the point of buying a bad phone knowing it's bad?

This is not a good camera with a below average phone. It's a bad phone with a good camera. See the difference.

I would say there is no difference if internet/phone service was free.

This phone will not be able to take 400 shots because it's a camera also. It operates as a touch only device and the screen has to be active when shooting. At the same time, all phone functions and apps are running.

This is a teenager's toy at best. The 808 didn't exactly have tremendous sales success did it?

quote: It operates as a touch only device and the screen has to be active when shooting. At the same time, all phone functions and apps are running.

I see what appears to be a button for taking pics, so yet again, you have no clue what you are talking about. I swear, it just seems like you like to spout shit to SEEM smart, when in reality, you are a moron.

Oh, and this was JUST announced, so you can't possibly have ANY idea what it does or doesn't do. But hey, keep talking about stuff you obviously know nothing about. I will keep pointing it out until you finally get the picture and go away.

quote: Except in reality, when you go to upgrade/buy a phone, you pick a good phone and not a camera. The camera is secondary.

Why do I have to repeat myself? The target market are people that want a compact zoom, not the whole smartphone market.

And yes, the camera does matter a lot, or else Apple, Samsung, Nokia, HTC, etc wouldn't be putting the best sensor/lens possible into a 7-10mm package.

quote: It's a bad phone with a good camera.

It's not a bad phone. It's a midrange one. Don't be such an snob, as it has hardware comparable to an iPhone4S.

quote: This phone will not be able to take 400 shots because it's a camera also. It operates as a touch only device and the screen has to be active when shooting.

So what? Touch screens don't use much more power than a regular LCD in most P&S cameras. My sister has a Sony RX100 - much bigger sensor, 20 MP - with a 1600 mAh battery and it takes 400+ shots easily.

quote: The 808 didn't exactly have tremendous sales success did it?

It had no optical zoom (and thus beyond 2x zoom it had worse quality than a P&S), and it ran Symbian. That meant it was a niche device in both markets. Still, it sold more than Nokia expected.

10x compact and midrange Android with S4 software make this a convergence device attacking the meat of both markets.

It's not going to sell like gangbusters, but it should do well enough to justify its existence. It does make you wonder why they bothered with the non-phone Galaxy Camera, though...

quote: Why do I have to repeat myself? The target market are people that want a compact zoom, not the whole smartphone market.

No, the target market is for someone who wants a smartphone with a good camera.

quote: And yes, the camera does matter a lot, or else Apple, Samsung, Nokia, HTC, etc wouldn't be putting the best sensor/lens possible into a 7-10mm package.

the camera does matter a lot but the smartphone itself will matter more.

There's no point in arguing about this. The sales number will speak for itself. This phone doesn't make sense in the US market. I think it has potential in other countries where people can swap SIM cards instead of being on a subscribed plan. I know in Asian countries, most people are not on plans. This would sell well because it can be a camera first and a phone when it needs to be.